FAREWELL BY RADIO

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1929, Page 2

FAREWELL BY RADIO

NEW HIGH COMMISSIONER. MR WILFORD ON AVIATION. WELLINGTON, December 6. Matters of national import were lightly touched on by the Hon. T. M. Wilford, Minister of Justice and Defence, when, through the instrumentality of Radio Station 2YA to-night, he farewelled New Zealand before the departure of himself and Mrs Wilford for England to-moi row morning by the Rangitiki. ’T am delighted to be going, naturally, because I am achieving tlio ambition of my life,” be said, “ and no man can ask more than that. On the other hand, I am full of regrets at leaving wiiat 1 feel to be the most beautiful country in the: world. ILn relinquishing my portfolio of Defence, I am satisfied that the heads oi this Department are men of whom this country should be proud. Capable, loyal and experienced, I have received wonderful assistance from them, while the wise counsel I have leceivctd from my -Secretary, Mr Dixon, has made my task a light one.”

In going on to deal with aviation, Mr Wilford drew attention to the growth in the number of leading newspaper articles that weye now written on the subject as compared with a few years ago, and said the personal interest be had taken in that important development had in many oases communicated itself to others. “I believe the* future will show that the skyways will largely be the highways of this country,” he stated. Those away in the far north around Kaitaia, where some of the finest fruit of the world was produced were failing for want of quick transport to the markets. Aviation miglu meet that need. “I hope any companies that are formed to develop commercial aviation will have as their watchword ‘Safety and Service,’ ” he went on. “We have as fine material for the making of airmen as there is anywhere. The young New Zealander has resource, independence, and quick initiative, and these three attributes

make for successful pilots.” “Let each one hitch his wagon to a star,” said Mr Wilford, in giving a message to young New Zealand. “By that I mean: Have some objective in life: strive for some achievement, remembering that there is always room at the top! Take trouble with little things!” Mrs Wilford also spoke; briefly. She farewelled her friends, and said she would look forward to the time when she would return to the Dominion.